One thing, however, I know with certainty: violence, or the direct threat of violence, of the kind we have seen in the past few days, is totally unjustified as a response to any published word or image.
Timothy Garton AshRead
Developments in information technology and globalised media mean that the most powerful military in the history of the world can lose a war, not on the battlefield of dust and blood, but on the battlefield of world opinion.
Interpretation
Public perception can impact military outcomes more than physical battles.
This quote emphasizes the idea that in the modern age, the influence of information technology and global media shapes public opinion, which can outweigh traditional military strength. It suggests that how a war is perceived by the world can be just as crucial as the actual combat that takes place, highlighting the importance of communication and public relations in warfare.
In practice
In a debate on military strategy, one could quote this to highlight the role of media.
One thing, however, I know with certainty: violence, or the direct threat of violence, of the kind we have seen in the past few days, is totally unjustified as a response to any published word or image.
That said, the question remains: how to strike the balance between free speech and mutual respect in this mixed-up world, both blessed and cursed with instant communication? We should not fight fire with fire, threats with threats.
If there is no element of asceticism in our lives, if we give free rein to the desires of the flesh (taking care of course to keep within the limits of what seems permissible to the world), we shall find it hard to train for the service of Christ. When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.
Pleasure is Nature's test, her sign of approval.
From nothing else but the brain come joys, delights, laughter and sports, and sorrows, griefs, despondency, and lamentations
People say we need religion when what they really mean is we need police.
Eretz Israel will be restored to the people of Israel. All of it. And forever.
In time we hate that which we often fear.
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